Community Outreach

Day of the Dozer 2023

Day of the Dozer 2023

The annual Day of the Dozer took place on September 9th at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. This unique event offers kids and their families the chance to witness heavy construction equipment in action and actively participate in “moving dirt” under the guidance of an experienced Stark operator. The proceeds from the event supported Stay 4, a program aimed at identifying, assisting, and retaining students with the potential to succeed yet are at risk of dropping out of high school.

Upon meeting the Stay 4 criteria, which includes high school graduation and enrollment in a trade school, community college, or university, students receive a minimum $1,000 grant from the Great Plains Life Foundation to aid in their ongoing efforts. This year, the Day of the Dozer drew around 1,700 children, generating $50,000 in funds for the Great Plains Life Foundation’s “Stay 4” program. Special appreciation goes to Stark operators, employees, and family members who contributed to the event’s setup, volunteered on the day of the event, and assisted with the cleanup. Heartfelt thanks are extended to Stark event coordinator Karrie Hilt and co-chair Amy Bowen.

To learn more about the Stay 4 project, please visit their website at Home | gplife (stay4.org).

The annual Day of the Dozer 2024
The annual Day of the Dozer 2024
The annual Day of the Dozer 2024
Recent Community Outreach
saving santa

Saving Santa

The McLean County Museum of History is leading a restoration effort to save two iconic holiday Santas, once featured at the historic Livingston's department store in Bloomington. These 14.5-foot Santas, introduced in the 1940s and displayed annually through the 1970s, became a beloved local symbol of the holiday season.

SEE MORE
Day of The Dozer Article Preview Image

2024 Day of the Dozer

This year’s annual Day of the Dozer event was another huge success! On September 7th, visitors near and far came together to support the Great Plains Life Foundation’s “Stay 4” program. With over 1,500 children participating, the local community volunteers helped put on another great event.

SEE MORE
GO TO TOP